FAMILY TRAGEDY STRIKES STRANDED SIVO
Eels star Maika Sivo has been left devastated by the sudden death of his 13-year-old brother in his homeland of Fiji.
Luva Sivo died last week after a mystery infection and an autopsy will be held to discover the exact cause of the tragedy.
Sivo is still in Sydney after recent knee surgery and is unlikely to be able to fly home to Fiji for the funeral due to COVID restrictions.
“Maika is naturally shattered,” a source close to the star winger said.
“The family are all very close – his dad is the minister in their little village – and it is just very sad.”
The Eels wore black armbands as a mark of respect in the game against Penrith last weekend.
GRIFFIN THREATENS DIVIDE WITH SIMS SAGA
St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin risks totally alienating the playing group if he punts veteran back-rower Tariq Sims for next season.
The club’s acting captain and a current State of Origin player, Sims has been told he is free to negotiate with rival clubs – code for “we don’t really want you”.
The star back-rower was hoping for a contract extension beyond next season but instead was hit with that sledgehammer blow by the club.
Sims is among the most respected players at the Dragons – a true leader and role model.
He has been left devastated by the Dragons’ move but is maintaining a dignified silence as his future hangs in the balance.
There is already a rift between Griffin and his players after some questionable decisions from the coach throughout 2021.
Significantly, players did not invite Sims to the infamous ‘Barbecue-gate’ party that derailed their season – because they knew he would have told them to do the right thing and obey COVID protocols.
That is the type of individual the Dragons need – and he is virtually being shown the door.
Despite an impressive roster, the Dragons were once again major under-performers, crashing out of finals contention after a promising start.
NRL SPEEDSTER’S LITTLE BROTHER SHINES
The younger brother of James ‘Jimmy the Jet’ Roberts is in high demand after a sizzling performance in last week’s final of the Queensland Schoolboys competition.
Michael Roberts, a classy 17-year-old utility back, won the title for Palm Beach with a superb length of the field try in the dying stages of the game.
The youngster is contracted to the Titans for next season but is free to talk to rival clubs from November 1 – and clubs are already queueing up for a chat.
Roberts can play five-eighth or fullback and is every bit as fast as his brother.
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